updated 08:00 pm EST, Mon November 28, 2011

Seagate update paints dim picture of

Seagate in an update warned that hard drive shortages relating to Thai flooding would last for the long term. It anticipated that shortages would go on for "several quarters." Although supply would improve in 2012, some PC builders would "optimize" by using fewer drives or models with lower capacity.

Pricing wouldn't see steep increases or declines, however, in spite of demand exceeding supply. Seagate could partly count on its buyout of Samsung's drive business, expected to close in December, to make up for some of the difference.

The shortages, which also affect Western Digital, could see traditional PC builders hurt as the smaller companies face delays. Companies that thrive on solid-state drives, such as Apple and Samsung, could thrive in the environment by having healthy supply.